MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 1, 2007) – The Minnesota News
Council announced today the appointment of Sarah Bauer as its executive
director. Bauer has served as the
organization’s interim director following the retirement of Gary Gilson as
executive director in December 2006.

“Sarah has clearly demonstrated the management skills and
leadership qualities we were looking for in a permanent director, and she has a
thorough knowledge of the Council’s mission and operation,” said Ron Graham,
chair of the organization’s board of directors.

Bauer has led the News Council through a 10-month transition
period, during which she oversaw the expansion of News Council staff to include
a Development Director. She has also
worked to update and refine the News Council’s complaint procedures and led an
effort that has resulted in a significant reduction in the organization’s
operating costs.

Bauer first joined the Minnesota News Council in 2004 as an
intern and soon became its operations manager. In 2005, Bauer helped institute a more structured complaint process
within the organization and played a key role in establishing the Council’s
online complaint submission process. She
was named Interim Director in December 2006.

“It’s a great honor to be able to lead this organization,
which is the oldest independent News Council in the U.S.,” Bauer said. “In particular, I am looking forward to
reaching out to media organizations and communities throughout the state,
developing new programs and working to maintain the organization’s relevance in
a time of great change in our industry.”

Bauer graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota
with degrees in journalism and philosophy. She also serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Professional
chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and was recently appointed
to its national membership committee.

About the News
Council

The Minnesota News Council was created in 1970 to promote
fair, vigorous and trusted journalism. It is a nonprofit organization supported
entirely by voluntary annual contributions from media organizations, businesses
and individuals. The News Council
presents complaints about accuracy and fairness to news organizations, holds
public hearings to consider unresolved complaints and conducts public forums
aimed at fostering trust in journalism. The
News Council has 24 voting members, half of them journalists, half
laypersons. The hearing process is
voluntary; the Council’s determinations are advisory and carry no sanctions.